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jed with a spring Big Mack

Topic: Redesigned Kayak Trailer Racks  (Read 2498 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Cosmo

  • Salmon
  • ******
  • Integrity-It's What You Do When No One's Looking
  • DADventurerNW
  • Location: Tualatin, Oregon
  • Date Registered: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 518
So, my first set of kayak racks that I built out of 1/2" steel pipe, screwed together with plumbing fittings only lasted about a year before one of the pipe connections cracked from stress. 

After looking to find or build something sturdier, I found a rack system that is designed to install on top of a full size truck bed for $100 on the internet.  I couldn't even buy the steel for that price, so I decided to give it a try and see if I could make it work.

I had to buy some additional pipe to make the adjustable section wider so that I could get at least 60 inches to have both Outbacks lay flat on the bars, upside down.

Another $50 in 90 degree brackets and stainless steel hardware, and I was in business.  this system will hold up to 600lbs, and is out of 2" pipe.  I wanted to keep the kayaks low, to keep my center of gravity low, and also be able to see out the back of my rig.

It's rock solid now and should be awesome.  The additional weight of the racks also makes the trailer rider a lot nicer when it's empty.

Here's a look at the finished product.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015, 08:04:15 AM by Cosmo »
Cosmo
2 Hobie Mirage Outbacks 2014


Mojo Jojo

  • Sturgeon
  • *******
  • Suffers from Yakfishiolus Catchyitis
  • Location: Tillamook, Oregon
  • Date Registered: May 2014
  • Posts: 6071
Looking good Cosmo, now let's go fishing so I can see it first hand. Ps if you need any welding done swing on into Garibaldi, hell I'll even give you and " Effect" some trigger time on the welder to get you acquainted with wire feed welding. 



Shannon
2013 Jackson Big Tuna "Aircraft Carrier"
2011 Native Mariner Propel "My pickup truck"
2015 Native Slayer Propel "TLW's ride"
20?? Cobra Fish-N-Dive “10yo grandson’s”
20?? Emotion Sparky “5 yr old granddaughter’s”


Low_Sky

  • Salmon
  • ******
  • Location: Anchorage, AK
  • Date Registered: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 521
That's pretty slick, Cosmo. Repurposing the truck bed rack was a great idea.
2016 Hobie Revolution 16
2014 Perception Triumph 13


grgflowers

  • Herring
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  • Location: Poulsbo, WA
  • Date Registered: May 2013
  • Posts: 32


Nick Molinaro

  • Plankton
  • *
  • Location: Vallejo, Calif.
  • Date Registered: Jan 2016
  • Posts: 3
Excellent. I want, I want.